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Upcoming Blood Drives

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•May 31, 2023•

ImpactLife will be having two upcoming blood drives in our area in June. The first will be in the Cadwell community on Tuesday, June 13 from 3 pm to 7 pm. A donor bus will be parked at M&E Woodcrafts, 1533 CR 1900N. To schedule an appointment call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 or go to bloodcenter.org/group and enter group #70636. The other drive will be at Agri-Fab Inc. on Friday, June 16 from 10:30 am-3:30 pm in the gold classroom at 809 S. Hamilton Street. Masks are optional. To schedule an appointment call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 or go to bloodcenter.org/group and enter group # 71025.

Downstate Illinois Largest Recreational Boating Safety Event at Lake Shelbyville

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•May 24, 2023•
In recognition of National Safe Boating Week 2023, May 20-27, the members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary across the Central and Southern Illinois regions are encouraging and promoting safe boating practices to protect lives on the water. This year, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has teamed up with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Shelbyville to have the first ever week-long Boat Examination, Paddle Craft Examination, Kids Public Education, and U.S. Coast Guard Recruiting/U.S. Coast Guard Academy Admissions information booths will be located at Dam West near the boat ramp by Lake Shelbyville. Read More

32 Marine Holds Grand Opening

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Photo furnished
32 Marine Holds Grand Opening
32 Marine, located at 992 Illinois 32 in Sullivan, held a grand opening on Friday, May 19. 32 Marine is a full service marine supply and service store. Their hours are Tuesday-Saturday 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Pictured are owners Will and Tasha Bates and their children Brody and Brooklyn.

Wheeler Receives Sheriff’s Association Scholarship

News Progress Posted on by

•May 24, 2023•
By Sharon Barricklow
Correspondent

Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds announced this week that a Windsor High School Senior is the 2023 Shelby County Illinois Sheriff’s Association scholarship winner.
Kiersten Wheeler, daughter of Chris and Kelly Wheeler, is the valedictorian of Windsor High School. She is planning on attending Illinois State University in the fall, to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. She also served as senior class president.
McReynolds said choosing scholarship winners is one of the most difficult parts of his job. This year’s applicants were asked to write an essay about their opinions on the Illinois revocation of cash bail.
“There’s a lot to look at in the application,” he said. “Their grades, what they’ve done in school and their future plans all are considered.”

Okaw Valley Middle School Girls Repeat as State Runners-up

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photo submitted by Jason R. Engler
From left to right: Coach Fultz, Kyah Calhoun, Katie Coventry (manager), Gabby Totten, Kaya Forlines, Erin Harris, Bre Woolum, and Coach Engler.

photo submitted by Jason R. Engler
From left to right: Payton Booker, Gabby Totten, Logan Sarver, Wyatt Bell, and Kwamé Calhoun.

•May 24, 2023•
Submitted by Jason R. Engler

Okaw Valley Middle School Track had 20 students qualify for the Class 1A state track meet in East Peoria May 12-13. The eighth grade girls team, Kyah Calhoun, Kaya Forlines, Erin Harris, Gabby Totten, and Bre Woolum, earned 40 points and the title of Class 1A State Runner-up. Last year, as seventh graders, the girls brought home the Class 2A State Runner-up trophy, making this group of girls back-to-back state trophy winners. Gabby Totten became a state champion once again, this time in the 100 meter dash. Gabby also placed second in the 200 meter dash and third in long jump. These girls also ran in the 4x100 meter relay, where they set a school record running it in 54.68 seconds. Their effort as a team made them 4x100 meter relay champions. Read More

Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon

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•May 24, 2023•
Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon will be presented by Debra Ann Miller on Wednesday, May 31 at 6 pm at Windsor Christian Church. The audience is invited to reminisce with Mrs. Lincoln about her childhood, her days in Springfield and her children as she celebrates Tad’s 12th birthday and the end of the Civil War. Drawing from her own letters to friends, family and political figures of the era, Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon paints a picture of Mary Lincoln that is both sympathetic and truthful. This program is brought to you by Windsor Storm Memorial Public Library.

Legacy Performing Arts of Central Illinois Begins Third Season

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•May 24, 2023•
Legacy Performing Arts Community Showband is ready to start its 3rd season with rehearsals and performances this June, July, and August. Legacy is known for performing a variety of “Greatest Hits” from legendary artists and bands including Elvis, Michael Jackson, and more. This summer will feature a new show that includes music from the Beatles and the return of the popular Queen show performed in 2021. Read More

Applications Available for the Governor’s Hometown Awards

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•May 24, 2023•
The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is accepting applications for the Governor’s Hometown Awards (GHTA) program. GHTA gives formal recognition to those who contributed to projects that improved their community’s quality of life. Nominated projects must be sponsored by units of local government, include strong volunteer support, and made a positive impact in the community. Read More

Loop Lake Shelbyville Bike Ride

News Progress Posted on by

•May 24, 2023•
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Friends of Lake Shelbyville are hosting the Loop Lake Shelbyville bike ride on Saturday, June 10th, 2023. All rides will start from the Lake Shelbyville Visitor and will include options for a 22 mile, 34 mile, 48 mile or a 65 mile ride. Proceeds for the ride will benefit the Friends of Lake Shelbyville (FOLS). The FOLS provides education, historical interpretation, recreational and environmental improvements at Lake Shelbyville. Read More

Outdoor Fire and Burn Safety Reminders as Memorial Day Approaches

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•May 24, 2023•
The Memorial Day holiday brings with it the excitement of summer’s start and the many outdoor celebrations that happen during warmer weather. These events and activities can also present dangers related to fires, and residents are encouraged to review fire and burn prevention tips, provided by Camp I Am Me (formerly the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance).
“This is the time of year where residents can take advantage of being outdoors, as they attend barbecues, go camping or enjoy other activities where fire or other burn dangers can be present,” said Camp I Am Me President, and Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District Chief James Kreher. “We urge everyone to be vigilant and follow basic safety tips and precautions.”
Fire and Burn Prevention Tips:
Supervise children and pets while the campfire/fire pit is burning.
Create a 3-foot “Kid-Free Zone” around the campfire/fire pit. Read More